Below are resources to assist those preparing for the PMP exam. I originally created the interactive ITTO guide when I was preparing for the exam back in May of 2007 while taking a prep class sponsored by PMI-LA, and decided to put it on the web in case my classmates found it useful. I then taught a couple of sessions for the very same prep class sponsored by PMI-LA in the Fall of 2007, and added the additional resources for the students.
For those visiting and preparing for the exam, I hope you find the resources useful, as I wish to give back to the online and offline community which helped me greatly when I was preparing for the exam.
*NOTE – Some of the following are still based on the PMBOK 3rd Edition, 2004 but still relevant
For those just starting their preparation, below are links to a 3 part overview of the PMP exam:
For those who already have their PMP, below is a link on how to maintain your PMP status every 3 years:
And here’s a bonus presentation I gave for a PMP exam prep class for PMI-LA back in Spring of 2012 which outlines the trends of popular PM certifications such as the PMP:
Some PMP exam reference materials I used that may be useful to you:
- Spreadsheet to calculate hours on the PMP application
- Interactive ITTO Tool to test and remind yourself of the all important Inputs, Tools & Techniques, and Outputs of the PMBOK
- PMP work description samples, which you can use to help you after you enter your work hours from the above spreadsheet
- PMP audit tips that provides some guidance, in case you get audited
- Earned value template in Excel that will help you visualize how EVA works as well as manipulate the numbers to see how those changes effect the graphs
- COMING SOON!!! – I am planning to write a detailed study guide updated to the latest version of the PMBOK/PMP and will provide it as a Kindle ebook for sale at a very affordable price. Announcement will be provided on this site once available
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Hi:
I graduated from Umass – Lowell with a certficate in PM, and have taken my PMP exam yesterday, and did not pass (though close). What would you suggest for study materials or approaches for me to move into next?
Thank you so much!
Phil.
Hi Phil,
Thank you for visiting my site! If you read part 2 of my PMP prep advice, it lays out some strategies on studying for the exam to pass. I think if you adopt the “medium” to “long” strategy and look at internalizing and understanding how the framework builds an overall set of practices to follow it will sink in better and you will have to rely less on memorizing.
Though the PMBOK may seem too abstract when first encountered, at it simplest level it is a large input-output system whereupon you would be typically tasked with completing some task or item for your project. So for example, if you were in the initiating phase of your project and you were tasked with having to produce a project charter how would you go about it?
Look at the initiating process section in the PMBOK (or you can use my ITTO tool) and see that there are typical inputs such as organizational process assets, SOWs, contracts, etc. where you would use your “expert judgement” (mental tool & technique) to put together the Project Charter output.
The whole of the PMBOK outlines this path that contains components of knowledge that is typically considered best practices outlined by the blood, sweat and tears of all the PM practitioners who put together and documented it in the PMBOK then standardized it with the ANSI and ISO bodies which are recognized all around the world.
Start viewing and studying it this way and you’ll retain data better by viewing it within the “flow” of a project’s process and less on trying to memorize discrete sections of the guide or study book.
I’m positive you will pass on your 2nd try. Good luck and let us know how it went! Consider joining the forum or subscribing to the newsletter to stay up to date on PM news you can use.
I’m applying for the PMP & while filling my application, i get blocked with this question, could you please give me samples or tips in order to answer this correctly please. thanks a million
please summarize this project. The summary should include the project objectives and your role, as well as key deliverables and outcomes by Process Groups. The description should include examples of how you led and directed this project. Please ensure that your description is between 300 and 550 characters. *
I have a link to work samples above that will provide examples of how to fill out your project work descriptions. If you could not find it, here’s the link: http://www.projectation.com/pmp-docs/PMP_Work_Description_Samples.pdf
please send to me your link to provide examples of how to fill out your project work descriptions on my email